Kohli’s Ranji Comeback After 13 Years: A Mixed Experience
Virat Kohli’s much-anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy after 13 years created a buzz among cricket fans. Playing for Delhi, his team secured a remarkable victory, but Kohli himself had an underwhelming outing. Batting in only one innings, he managed just six runs off 15 deliveries before being dismissed by an inswinger from Himanshu Sangwan, shortly after striking a boundary.
Rayudu Backs Kohli, Calls for Patience
Former Indian cricketer Ambati Rayudu weighed in on Kohli’s Ranji return, expressing that the star batter does not require domestic cricket to regain his form. Instead, he believes Kohli needs time to rediscover his rhythm and confidence. Taking to social media platform X, Rayudu urged people to stop scrutinizing Kohli and trust in his abilities.
“Right now, Virat Kohli doesn’t need Ranji. His technique has earned him 81 centuries, and it will continue to work for him. No one should force him into anything. He just needs time to feel good about everything again. The spark within will ignite on its own. Basically, respect and believe in him—most importantly, leave him alone,” Rayudu wrote.
BCCI’s New Mandate and Kohli’s Form Struggles
Kohli’s participation in the Ranji Trophy was influenced by the Board of Control for Cricket in India’s (BCCI) recent directive, making domestic cricket mandatory for international players struggling with form.
Since 2020, Kohli’s performances in Test cricket have been inconsistent. In 39 matches, he has amassed 2,028 runs at an average of 30.72, with only three centuries and nine half-centuries. His best knock during this period was 186.
During the 2023–25 ICC World Test Championship cycle, Kohli recorded 751 runs in 14 Tests at an average of 32.65, with two centuries and three fifties. The previous year was particularly disappointing for him across formats, as he managed only 655 international runs in 23 matches, averaging 21.83, with a lone century and two fifties. In Test cricket alone, he scored just 417 runs in 10 matches at an average of 24.52.
What Lies Ahead for Kohli?
Despite his recent struggles, Kohli remains one of India’s greatest cricketing icons. Rayudu’s strong backing suggests that many in the cricketing world still believe in his ability to bounce back. With crucial tournaments and series ahead, fans and experts will be eager to see if Kohli can reignite his old form and silence his critics once again.
